James Sands overcomes Rangers 'physical ability' fear as New York City boss confesses major concern after return from Ibrox

New York City FC head coach Nick Cushing admits he has been proven wrong after doubting James Sands' "physical ability" on his return from Rangers.

The American had agreed an 18-month loan deal with the Scottish Premiership side in January 2022 while Gio van Bronckhorst was in charge. But the 22-year-old's stay at Ibrox was brought to an early by Michael Beale after a year with Rangers unwilling to pick up an £4million option to buy in the deal after a mixed spell at the club. Despite struggling to claim a regular spot in the starting line-up during his stint in Govan, he has recaptured his best form on his return to Major League Soccer.

Sands has returned to become a key player in the Eastern Conference and his form has earned him a recall to the U.S international set-up from Anthony Hudson for the friendly clash with Mexico. And Cushing has admitted the versatile midfielder has put any doubts over his fitness to bed after his struggles in Scotland.

Speaking after the win over Nashville, the boss said: “For me, James Sands was 10/10 in this game. My worry for James lately had been his physical ability, based on the fact he didn’t play so many games for Rangers, but I thought he looked excellent.

“He physically looked good, he reads the game incredibly well, his decision-making on the ball is top level. What he brings to our team is that he gets the ball back. It sounds simple, but he is so effective at being in the right spaces, and being aggressive to get the ball back."

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